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Author
Topic: Giving up things for HIV's sake (Read 6441 times)

The bbq man is accross the cornoer from me every Satudary cooking ribs and chicken and gives me samples sometimes. I was told early on cause I love grilling in the summer(this is Florida) that grilled foods weren't good for me. As pets and gardening(digging in the dirt, which we southerners live for). What quality of life does anyone have if they have to give up everything they enjoy, no life? My health is closely monitored and I have learned: moderation, moderation and how to take care of myself. But yet, when my poz health care nurse was here this month(for her annual visit), as we went thru the lenghty questionaire about what I was and wasn't doing, the same cautions kept coming up, "well you might want to rethink that(etc)" My answer was each time, "what quality of life do you want or expect me to have?" I can't just give up everything...have no enjoyment whatsoever day to day.

In all these years, I have given up running because of PN, I was told early on not to get a cat because of the bacteria in the cat box, (I got a dog), I gave up Sushi because raw shell fish is all of a sudden not good for me, I gave up adult beverages. My great job was taken from me, the former employer sells my product lines, while I live on disability. The L.A. beach house was turned into a rent subsidized mountain cabin (after 9 years of waiting lists), the Porche became an MG (with 3 years of bus passes in between). Shopping at the supermarket became "shopping" at the food bank. I have had many conversations with healthcare professionals about "quality" of life and it not being loaded into a van to be taken to the medical facility once per month.

In all these years (12), no one ever said to give up BBQ, if they did, sorry did not hear that! I am still a charming dinner guest and when my grilling genius friends prepare something special, I do enjoy.

Granted, we have to give up things we enjoy for health or monetary reasons, I have given up my fair share and I draw the line on giving up BBQ with close friends. Have the best dayMichael

Jim I'll give up BBQ when they pry that rib bone from my cold dead hand. Livin' in Memphis ain't easy...but livin' without Q,that's a different story. I don't over-indulge...but my guilty pleasure? Slow roast me a little "Porky the Pig" and don't spare the sauce. Live a little...what's it gonna do kill ya?

It's something to do with smoke and chared foods, of course I haven't completely given up smoking cigs either( damn do I constantly hear about that!). I have PN also and the main reason I recieve disability; believe me, I hate PN worse than HIV. Giving up things to PN are numerous, but I will not give up things I don't need to...When the health care nurse left, she thanked me for being candid and more forth coming than many she interviews. WHy not? why would I lie? I don't know what they do with all that seemingly useless info, but if it helps someone?; just don't dictate to me, I am reasonably intellegent.Guess it's sometimes 'they' talk down to us like we are igrnorant or children. Let me ask them a million guestions about their personal lives and habits and tell them what I think, LOL!

Jim I would not be the least bit surprised if your nurse was the first one in and the last one out at your local "all you can eat" buffet. I have been around quite a few nurses (not you guys) and they ALL seem to smoke and are overweight. I know they are doing their job...but that is all it is,a job.

You are a smart man who knows his body. I have no doubt that in most cases you make choices that are right for you. My motto "moderation".

It is a hot day outside, why don't we get out our blenders, Jose Cuervo (Gold), some maggie mix and a side shot of Gran Marnier, while we smoke some marijuana cigarettes and roast a pig? Have the best dayMichael(who will drive to the liquor store)

Poor Baby....sounds like you've got Nurse Ratchet. Does she remind you of an icicle? Quality of Life is everything to me.... that's not to say I can't give up some things.But digging in the dirt and BBQ...Get Outta Town

It is a hot day outside, why don't we get out our blenders, Jose Cuervo (Gold), some maggie mix and a side shot of Gran Marnier, while we smoke some marijuana cigarettes and roast a pig? Have the best dayMichael(who will drive to the liquor store)

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

Okay so we are all in agreement...let's have a picnic! The coals are hot...the rump is roasting,let's all meet at the HIV Corral and have a great day. Life's too short...especially ours. I really LOVE you guys!

I am from North Carolina. I like my BBQ with vinegar, not tomato. Same with my slaw

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

I have a time honored tradition on Easter... Tequilla Sunrise Services. We have to meet at the base of a dormant volcano before sunrise on Easter Sunday. As the bartender, I choose Mt. Konocti. Have the best dayMichael

Supposedly, the burnt areas of meat or bread / vegetables contain high levels of cancer causing chemicals, a bit like inhaling cigarette smoke, burnt particulates. But I think the key here is everything in moderation. one BBQ per week won't turn you into a cancerous wreck :-). Perhaps a healthier way would be to smoke food rather than BBQ / burning it.

Supposedly, the burnt areas of meat or bread / vegetables contain high levels of cancer causing chemicals, a bit like inhaling cigarette smoke, burnt particulates. But I think the key here is everything in moderation. one BBQ per week won't turn you into a cancerous wreck :-). Perhaps a healthier way would be to smoke food rather than BBQ / burning it.

I've heard the word carcinogens but anyway ... I myself often use a "clean plate" guideline. If xyz food doesn't easily wash off a plate, I then imagine my system will have a tough time with it. BBQ, lasagna, etc - i.e., food that "sticks to your ribs" (or in my mind, sticks to the plate, sticks to your cells)

Conversely (delving deeper into my food neuroses, sorry guys), I view foods that easily wash off of a plate as good for your cells e.g. salad, watermelon, corn kernels without butter ... although I find many exceptions to that guideline, e.g. hummus, oatmeal, rice ... Can I still come to the bbq? You guys can eat (and drink!) "the good stuff"

I want to come too. To eat the bbq, to drink the margarita's.......and a little more somke''ll be ok. But mostly I want to come to meet all you wonderful wonderful people. I'd love to see it happen. ~jordon